Process for Initiating Dealer's Record of Sale Transactions at Gun Shows - Effective January 2003

As a result of the enactment of Penal Code Section 12077(f) which requires the purchaser's name, date of birth, and driver's license or identification number be obtained electronically from the magnetic stripe on the purchaser's driver's license or identification card and shall not be supplied by any other means except as authorized by the department, questions have arisen regarding initiating Dealer’s Record of Sale (DROS) transactions at gun shows.

Firearms dealers may initiate the DROS process at gun shows by one of the following methods:

The dealer may initiate the DROS as he/she would at their place of business by using the DROS Entry System. The purchaser’s name, date of birth, and driver ’s license or identification number shall be obtained electronically from the magnetic strip on the purchasers driver’s license or identification card and shall not be supplied by any other means except as authorized by the department. The dealer shall complete the electronic DROS, and electronically transmit the DROS information via the Internet. The 10-day waiting period starts upon receipt of the DROS number. If the magnetic card strip is unable to be read, the firearms dealer shall obtain a photocopy of the identification as proof of compliance.

If the dealer does not have access to the DROS Entry System at the gun show, the dealer may initiate the DROS process by using a paper DROS Worksheet. Upon return to the licensed business premise, the dealer must enter the information via the DROS Entry System. Remember that the 10-day waiting period does not begin until the DROS information is submitted to DOJ via the internet and the DROS number is received.

Prior to the delivery of the firearm and pursuant to Penal Code Section 12077(f), the dealer must swipe the purchaser’s driver’s license or identification card through the magnetic card swipe reader. This information must be printed out and attached to the dealer’s copy of the DROS that is required to be maintained for 3 years from the date of transaction. Detailed instructions for this process are as follows:

Click on the Windows “Start” menu located in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen. From the “start” menu choose “Programs” then select “Accessories” then select “Wordpad”. Next, swipe the purchaser’s DMV card through the reader and the information will automatically transfer to the WordPad screen on your PC. Finally, to print the information, choose “File” from within the WordPad program application and select “Print” and then click “ok”.

The above-described process complies with the requirement to swipe and maintain a copy of the purchasers identifying information, provided the information on the DMV identification matches the information recorded on the DROS.

Penal Code Section 12077(f)(2) provides an exemption to obtaining a copy of the purchaser’s identification due to technical limitations, however, the Section does not provide an exemption for transactions being conducted at a gun show, therefore, the above procedures must be followed.

If you have any additional questions, please contact the Bureau of Firearms at (916) 263-4887.